I read the DYI on replacing the rear factory speakers, and all went well. I removed the paper pioneers and installed two Sony Xplode 3 way 6 x 9's.

I am rather new to audio installations and such so excuse me if I sound "dumb" but here is my problem: before I removed the factory speakers I could turn up the volume on the factory tape HU to the max with no problems of blowing the speakers out, they actually were not very loud at all. So now I replaced the speakers with the above. Now when I turn the volume up on the factory HU, I can not go past 3/4's of the way up because I get a horrible distortion out of the speaker. It sounds good to a certain point, but if I put up the volume one more notch I get the distorted sound (like my speakers are gonna break / blow).

What can this mean? Not enough power to the speakers? Too much power? Do I need an Amp to correct this?


Thanks for all your help and time!

you got it right.. not enough power. Factory speakers are optimized at lower power levels, i.e. the low power factory head unit. aftermarket speakers, like your XPlod's are more power thristy. honestly, i'd suggest getting an aftermarket HU at some point, they're pricey, especially for a beginner in aftermarket stereo stuff.. but you will thank yourself. however, if you are happy with the factory HU, and amp will fix your problem. if you are planning to run it off your factory HU, make sure to get an amp with speaker level inputs. okay enough rambling... this is what to look for...

~2 channel amp
~speaker level inputs
~about 50 watts RMS per channel

hope this helps![IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/IMG]

Thanks for the information, that leads me in the right direction. I appreciate it and will update again when I get the amp installed.

Just for the power and clean sound I'd reccomend just getting a bottem end model Pioneer ALpine or Clarion CD player.. should run you about $200 at most with the install. Don't get a sony HU.. you'll be looking for trouble getting a low end sony.. the higher end and ES stuff is allright tho.

Cheers
Mohawk